By Dan Ikpechukwu, Atlanta
One week after Nigeria and Mexico played out a goalless draw in a pre-World Cup tune up match in Atlanta on March 5, comments by the Mexican Coach on the performances of the Super Eagles, particularly the two Nigerian goalkeepers, are still fresh on the minds of those who watched the encounter.

Mexican coach Miguel Herrera praised the Nigerian team for putting up a great performance during the match but quickly added, “nobody can be deceived  that the level of play of Nigeria is even close to what we can expect of them in Brazil this summer because it is too early to predict any country with just a friendly match as the final squad is yet to be picked.”

Coach Herrera, however, admitted that his players have not been together for a while after qualifying for Brazil 2014 hence the cautious exhibition by his team during the match.

Herrera went on to add, “Nigeria from this match is blessed with two great goalkeepers and they pose a threat to any team without fierce attacking squad whose duties will be continuous harassment with constant shots at goal as a way of weakening and disorganizing the entire defense.”

Herrera, who disclosed that he is looking forward to a fruitful world cup outing in Brazil this summer, praised the organizers of the friendly match, adding that the attendance of 68,122 which is the highest ever in Georgia Dome soccer history was quite impressive. In his words, “anytime we play a good side like Nigeria, the crowd-pulling effect is always a motivating factor not only for us but for all soccer lovers across the continental USA.”